Ailing Knut boss Osiany airlifted to city hospital

By Mangoa Mosota And Maureen Odiwuor

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General David Okuta was airlifted to Nairobi in critical condition.

Mr Okuta was admitted to Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu on Sunday suffering from undisclosed ailment, at the facility’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors The Standard spoke to confirmed the Knut secretary general was at the facility, but declined to reveal more.

On Monday, Okuta was airlifted from Kisumu International Airport by a health facility air rescue at around 4.30pm. A senior Knut official also told The Standard Okuta was admitted to the facility.

“All I can say is that he has been admitted, but can not divulge more,” said the official.

Several relatives visited but only Kisumu East branch chairman, Peter Otiende, was allowed to see him. Family members and Knut officials remained tight-lipped about Okuta’s condition.

Stable condition

Over ten others who were turned away just stood at the hospital’s parking lot. A relative, who sought anonymity, also confirmed Okuta was admitted at ICU.

“He has been able to speak. Doctors have assured us his condition is stable,” said the source.

Okuta has been vocal on the rights of teachers, whose membership is currently over 240,000. He took over as secretary general in mid 2011.